Colby College

President Adams signed the Presidents Climate Commitment and, in 2001, formed an environmental advisory group to counsel the college on issues of sustainability. The college staff includes a full-time environmental programs coordinator, an environmental compliance officer, and five LEED-accredited project managers.

Colby has reduced carbon emissions by 23 percent from 1990 levels on a square-foot basis, exceeding an initial goal of 9 percent per square foot of building space by 2010. The college purchases 100 percent renewable power, as well as renewable energy credits. A cogeneration plant produces about 10 percent of campus electricity.

The college sources from over 72 local suppliers, including a local dairy. About 20 percent of the food budget is spent on local food, and 2 percent of total purchases are organic. Dining services also sources some fresh produce and garlic from campus gardens. Beginning in 2008, dining services has been eliminating trays from the dining halls to conserve water and energy.

Colby requires that all new construction be LEED Silver-certified, at a minimum. Renovation projects must also aim for LEED certification. All project managers are LEED-accredited professionals. The four most recent building projects have achieved, or are pending, LEED certification.

Students have the opportunity to serve as recycling coordinators or fill several other paid part-time sustainability positions on campus. Colby supports an active Environmental Studies Club and Environmental Coalition. The Green House is involved in increasing sustainability awareness on campus and developing student projects. New students are involved in sustainability discussions on the Colby outdoor orientation trip.

Colby electricians use an electric car and several other hybrid and electric cars are used on campus. A campus shuttle provides access to public transit and local destinations. There is an online rideshare board and the college recently joined a car-sharing program. Parking lots are located on the periphery of the campus in order to make it more pedestrian-friendly.

The college provides an annual report and actions related to socially responsible investing to members of the school community, including students, faculty, and staff. Information about proxy voting records is only available to trustees and senior administrators.

The college aims to optimize investment return, is currently invested in renewable energy funds, and maintains community investments.

The college has not made any public statements about active ownership or a proxy voting policy.